yes, it is the current (no such word as ampage) which determines the minimum size of cable, but since it is for car use, the voltage is always going to be around 12-14V, so its convenient for wiring kits to label as power (Watts) since amplifiers are rated as power, so its easier for the consumer to match up.

as for thicker cable resulting in less voltage drop, thinking about it, probably so, what i was thinking of was current, and therefore overall power. If the cable is too thick for the current being drawn, the electrons have so many different paths within the wire to take that overall power is reduced

[Edited on 12-03-2004 by cdcool1]

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hmmmmmm


rms is a measure of power, the square root of the mean of the power squared. RMS values are an equivalent of average power for alternating frequencies.


"using a thicker cable will result in less voltage drop"

not sure where you get that from?
if the cable you are using is too thick for the current you are carrying, there will be a voltage drop down the wire due to the increased resistance.
if the cable you are using is too thin, the current will heat up the wire, becoming dangerous, and then you'll have more to worry about than voltage drop!

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prob get 4 guage then. just wanted to be safe rather than sorry but it sounds like i was over doing it a little! :lol:

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Originally posted by Sando
The RMS value only relates to the maximum current that is safe to be ran through a cable. Search on the net for a chart that shows the maximum current that different gauges of cable can handle. Using a thicker cable will result in less voltage drop as the voltage has to be carried from the battery to the boot.

It isnt a case of 'getting away with' thinner cable, its a case of being safe, you wouldnt want to return to a soldering mess because you scrimped on cable.

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The RMS value only relates to the maximum current that is safe to be ran through a cable. Search on the net for a chart that shows the maximum current that different gauges of cable can handle. Using a thicker cable will result in less voltage drop as the voltage has to be carried from the battery to the boot.

It isnt a case of 'getting away with' thinner cable, its a case of being safe, you wouldnt want to return to a soldering mess because you scrimped on cable.

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Originally posted by drunkenfool
600w RMS isnt gonna need 0gauge. I got 2400w RMS running on 2 gauge.

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600w RMS isnt gonna need 0gauge. I got 2400w RMS running on 2 gauge.

right well i got 2 x MRD-M300s both 300w RMS 600w Max. and gonna get a MRV-T320 but dont no the rms or max off the top of my head. wot do u reckon ill need?

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Originally posted by cdcool1
if the cable you use is too thick for the power you are running, you will lose power. you need to match it as close as you can.

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if the cable you use is too thick for the power you are running, you will lose power. you need to match it as close as you can.

part of the reason i went for split charge in mine too, is cos i didnt feel happy with that much current going under the car. Dont know if it makes any difference, but makes me feel safer!

ye i think i may aswell go for it just to be on the safe side. there is loads of room under the sill covers and ill take the battery out to get through the grommet. it might not be too bad. and it sounds more impressive :lol:

:look: I've got 0 ga...

it wont hurt mate :) And 2gauge is going in mine when i get the chance, just for good measure :thumbs: However, you will have a few probs, like bending it around stuff, so poking it through the gromet is abit of a git. I would recommend round it down the sills if the door sills are big enough (they should be). Just have to drill a few holes in places :thumbs:

However, 4 gauge will be good so will 2 gauge, so what ever floats your boat mate, and how much of a hassle you want. Also, 0 gauge is inbetween a 5pence size and 1pence, so you get the idea of the size of it :)

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Originally posted by VisibleMan
its pretty meaty mate and you might a few probs but nothing serious :) However, if you running that kinda cable then alot of people will tell you do a split charging system if your going to get a powerful system in mate :) That way you can run 8 gauge from front to back, then 0 gauge from the battery in the back. Saves cash too :thumbs:

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not havin a second battery. just an Optima Yellow top. im havin 2 x Alpine MRD-M300 amps and 1 x Alpine MRV-T320. u reckon 4ga would be good enough for this then by the sound of it? i just thought that cos the 0ga kit was only £20 more i may aswell go for it.

^^^^^ The man speaks the truth. ;)

its pretty meaty mate and you might a few probs but nothing serious :) However, if you running that kinda cable then alot of people will tell you do a split charging system if your going to get a powerful system in mate :) That way you can run 8 gauge from front to back, then 0 gauge from the battery in the back. Saves cash too :thumbs:

About as thick as a 5p, I think if not slightly thicker.

hi
gonna get some 0ga power for my amps. got a corsa B and was wondering if its quite hard stuff to work with? got my old cable through no probs but that wasnt very thick:lol:. how thick is it in mm? it should go through the rubber grommet behind the glovebox no probs shouldnt it? cos its a big grommet?

thought id see wot other peoples opinions were first. oh ye its the Voodoo VDK0 that im on about.

:thumbs: